BROOKLYN — The Northeast District Department of Health (NDDH) is warning northeast Connecticut residents to avoid contact with wildlife and unfamiliar domestic animals to prevent potential exposure to rabies, a fatal viral disease of both animals and humans, most often transmitted through contact with a rabid animal.

“We continue to stress the message, ‘If it’s a stray, stay away,’” said Sue Starkey, NDDH director of Health. “This includes touching, holding, transporting, feeding, or caring for a stray. These animals can carry rabies or transmit other diseases and should be handled only by an Animal Control Officer (ACO) or an appropriate Wildlife Control Operator. Pet owners should also assure that all of their pets, whether indoor or outdoor animals are current on all vaccinations, which are required by law.”

Reports of rabies exposures often peak during summer months, when increased outdoor activities can bring people and pets in close proximity to wildlife.

“In reality, rabies poses a year-round threat but during this time of year, we receive increased reports of people coming in contact with raccoons, skunks, foxes, bats, and feral cats,” said NDDH Public Health Nurse Nancy Beaudry. “If a person has been bitten, or if the saliva of a potentially rabid animal comes in contact with a person’s eyes, nose, mouth, or wounds, it is important to seek medical

treatment and contact the health department right away so we can provide proper notification and information to any exposed individuals.”

Beaudry said that feral cats are free-roaming cats that are not owned. They are the “wild” offspring of domestic cats and have typically been abandoned without being spayed or neutered, allowing them to breed uncontrolled.

Bats also pose certain challenges when it comes to assessing a potential exposure. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bats have small teeth that may leave marks not easily seen. Although many people know if they have been bitten by a bat, there are certain circumstances when a person might not be aware or able to tell if a bite has occurred. This includes if a person awakes to find a bat in the room; if a bat is discovered in a room with an unattended child; or if there is a bat near a person with a disability. Immediate medical attention is recommendation for any of these situations. In all circumstances, contact local or state health departments for assistance with medical advice and testing bats for rabies.

“Rabid animals continue to be a public health threat in our district,” Starkey added. “Many people do not realize that they are responsible for vaccinating the strays that they are feeding or sheltering, which is another reason to avoid them in the first place. It is the role of public health to make sure that people remain safe from exposure to rabies. Animal Control Officers deal with domestic animals and the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection works to prevent the spread of rabies by wild or domestic animals through population control and vaccination.”

NDDH advises:

* Stay away from wild animals, strays, and domestic animals that are unfamiliar to you

* Seek medical treatment immediately if you’ve been bitten. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and lots of water. Your physician will determine if you need anti-rabies treatment.

* Report the incident immediately to your local health department so they can conduct an investigation and provide proper notification and information to exposed individuals

* Wear heavy leather gloves if handling a pet that has been involved in an altercation with a wild or unfamiliar animal and wash your hands well following the incident. Avoid direct contact with any saliva or brain/nervous tissue.

* Make sure all pets are current on their rabies vaccine. If you bring your pet to the veterinarian after an animal attack, the vet may ask you about any human exposures. They should direct you to contact the local health department.

* Multiple agencies can be involved in a rabies case. This includes the local health department, local Animal Control Officers, Nuisance Wildlife Control Operators, veterinarians, State testing laboratories, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and the CT Department of Agriculture. Be sure to share accurate details so all authorities can conduct proper investigations.

To report a wild animal attack on humans: Northeast District Department of Health – 860-774-7350; Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Wildlife Division – 860-424-3333.